In the dating game, it has long been believed that shoes and belts are a dead giveaway for not only true style prowess but wider personality traits too. Scuffed leather toes = you don't care enough about yourself? I’m not totally sure if the theory is to be taken as gospel (as between you and me, my husband had terrible shoes when we first met and things have managed to tick along just fine for 15 years!) but it is true that shoes can make or break a look. That’s why, even as a very considered shopper, I can justify the need for what some people might call an excessive amount in my wardrobe—those trusty Tevas won’t work for a wedding and those office heels aren’t right for a brunch date, black won’t go with everything, and so on and so forth.
Footwear choices can also be an indicator that you are an arbiter of good taste, a beacon for what’s to come and therefore, something of a trend-setter. Where more divisive clothing trends can feel too challenging for the majority of us, many fashion people can get on board with a directional pair of shoes and they are often the first trend signals to surface ahead of a new season. Before the autumnal outfits and clothes are really required, the flats, heels and boots are debuted.
Just like clockwork, despite the warm weather, we can already see this shift happening among the style set, on the streets and in our office. Sandals have been swapped out for closed-toe options, boots are being purchased (mostly cowboy or moto) and outfits are being planned around box-fresh sneakers or clogs, if you’re that way inclined. Some shoe and boot trends act like a quick-scan indicator of insider status and below are the shoe trends that I would instantly assign to a fashion-savvy person if I saw them IRL right now.
Keep scrolling for the autumn shoe trends that tell me you know what’s up.
9 AUTUMN SHOE TRENDS THAT TELL ME YOU'RE A FASHION PERSON
1. COWBOY BOOTS
I don't make the rules, I'm just here to report on them! Cowboy boots can be the most Marmite of boot trends but there's absolutely no denying that they're everywhere right and looking better than ever. The difference? They've transcended their noughties boho aesthetic and been shifted into cooler, more minimalistic territory.
Many girls are leaning into the Y2K aesthetic, pairing their cowboy boots with denim minis and jorts.
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A very chic option.
Ganni has some of the coolest cowboy boots this season (and every season, really!).
This shade of brown looks so expensive.
2. KITTEN HEELS
Kitten heels have been the real comeback queen in a post-pandemic world. While platforms and sky-high stilettos are at play, it's these lower options that have really taken ahold of people.
Add slingbacks to your kitten heel and you're about as 2024 as can be.
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Snake print is another key shoe trend this year, so why not tick off two major looks in one.
Brown satin never fails to look luxurious.
Kitten heels are also cropping up on the season's chicest boots.
3. ANY-TERRAIN TRAINERS
Trainers are big news every season but for autumn 2024, I have a feeling that it's walking shoes that are going to dominate the sneaker scene.
Take a literal hike or wear your sneaks in the city, just know that trainers complete with proper tread are all the rage, especially if you select a bright or unusual colour.
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Pair with everything from the "strange" skirt trend to staple blue denim.
The green feels especially fresh.
If you're not big on colour, the flash of yellow will ensure your kicks still feel on trend.
4. CLOGS
Thanks to the summer's Birkenstock Boston Clog craze, you'll be seeing a lot more of these shove-on-and-go flats.
For the most luxe version, head to Hermès or Chloé.
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These are just constantly flying off the virtual shelves.
A more reasonably-price alternative to designer leather clogs.
These shoes look so much more expensive than they are.
5. PATENT LEATHER
Patent leather with a glossy finish always comes back in fashion once autumn rolls around, giving outfits immediate polish.
Be it flats or heels, opt for a high-shine finish and it'll make every outfit you wear this autumn look so much more premium.
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The brand every fashion stylist is talking about.
These come in an array of classic colours.
So, so fierce.
6. LOAFERS
Heavy-soled loafers are still going strong, so if you bought a pair last autumn, well done you.
I like the idea of a buckle-fronted pair in brown leather as they feel super-retro and a little different from the main strand of this shoe trend.
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The coolest "school shoes" ever.
Tan suede taps into the retro feel of this shoe.
These will look cute styled with socks and a pleated miniskirt.
7. BIKER BOOTS
Miu Miu put biker boots back on the fashion map with it's autumn/winter collection a couple of years ago, and they've been one of the coolest autumn shoe trends ever since.
Wear yours now with shorts and dresses, then switch in jeans and trousers when temperatures hit a cold spell.
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The suede softens the overall look of this edgy boot trend.
8. BALLERINA FLATS
I'm not talking about any sort of ballerina pumps here. There are specifics to the style that feel most current now: They need to ideally be more square of toe than round or almond. Preferably with a mary jane strap across the front and rendered in either the softest leather or a supple fabric such as satin.
Between Miu Miu's Insta-famous styles, Maison Margiela's instantly-recognisable, toe-defining pairs and the under-the-radar luxury of The Row's elastic-leather flats, the simple slip-on pump is still going to be everywhere for autumn.
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The one and only.
These also come in classic black.
The leopard print feels especially current.
9. KNEE BOOTS
Many of you will not feel prepared for this kind of noughties-style pointed knee-high boot to make return, but within Gen Z circles, it's happening.
The more "ugly" the better—so think of off-beat colours, faux animal print finishes and embellishment.
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Easily the coolest boots I've seen in 2024 so far.
I didn't know I needed denim boots in my life until I saw this pair.
These will look great styled with denim and tan suede.
